News
Armenia’s gas supply restored, pipeline repaired after landslide
The pipeline supplies Armenia with Russian natural gas and runs through Georgia. (Photo published by Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Gas began flowing again Saturday in a pipeline that runs through a Georgian mountain valley which was hit by a landslide on August 21. The pipeline through Dariali Valley brings Russian natural gas to Armenia. According to Georgia’s Gas Transport […]
Conflict erupts about illegal tree-cutting in Georgia
Locals in Khaishi blocked the road Friday in protest against fines imposed on people who cut trees for firewood. (TV3.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Locals demonstrated Friday in a Georgian village because of strict rules about the cutting of trees for fire wood. People in Khaishi, in the northern part of Georgia, blocked the Zugdidi-Mestia highway because of sanctions introduced […]
Ice bucket challenge spreads to Georgia
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili is joining the Ice Bucket Challenge. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian celebrities, including politicians and journalists, are joining the international charity movement Ice Bucket Challenge, which aims gathering donations to support treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. ALS is a disease […]
Fight between inmates in Gardabani prison
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two prisoners clashed at Prison No 6 in Gardabani on Friday. The fight took place at 01:00 at night. Relatives and family were gathered at the prison, and some of them told journalists that law enforcement entered the prison, but the Prison Ministry […]
Danger of more landslides in Dariali
After two catastrophic landslides in three months, the government has decided to place a weather monitoring station in Dariali. (Photo published by Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There is a danger that more snow may come loose from Devdorak glacier and trigger another landslide in Dariali Valley, Georgia’s Environment Ministry warns. Experts working for the National Agency of Environment have visually surveyed […]
One person found dead after landslide in Georgia
(Photo published by Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One person has been found dead after the landslide catastrophe in Georgia on Thursday. The body was found on the bank of the river Tergi near the village Larsi on the Russian side of the border. According to head of Kazbegi municipality Givi […]
Georgian prosecutors examining finances of former parliament speaker
Davit Bakradze, former Speaker of Parliament. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office wants to study the income of Davit Bakradze, former Speaker of Parliament and MP for the National Movement. The office said in a statement on Wednesday that information reported by the media about Bakradze indicates […]
New catastrophic landslide hits Georgia’s Dariali Valley, two missing
Thursday’s landslide in Dariali Valley caused more material damage than the one on May 17, 2014. (Photo published by Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three months after a landslide disaster in a Georgian valley near the Russian border, another landslide struck Thursday, severing the only road across the Caucasus mountain range and cutting gas supply to Armenia. Two people are missing. […]
Delayed ratification of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine’s EU treaties
TBILISI, DFWatch–Two members of the European Parliament on Wednesday called on member states to accelerate the ratification of the association agreements signed with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in June. Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine signed association agreements […]
KaZantip opens as conservatives protest
Conservatives protested outside the old parliament building in Tbilisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Conservative groups continued protesting against KaZantip Wednesday as the music festival opened at 9 pm in the evening. Those opposed to the festival are radical Orthodox Christians and small opposition parties. On Wednesday one such group held a protest […]
Georgian PM visits Armenia August 21-22
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili will visit Armenia on August 21-22. After meeting his Armenian colleague, Gharibashvili and the rest of the Georgian delegation will meet with Armenian government representatives. Prime Minister Hovik […]
Saakashvili returns clothes after embezzlement charge
Police took action as clothes belonging to former President Saakashvili were delivered at the government office. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Tuesday returned clothes to the government in Georgia, after being charged with inappropriate spending while in office. A few days ago, the Prosecutor’s Office charged Saakashvili with […]
Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan strengthen energy transport security
Defense ministers from three countries: Georgia’s Irakli Alasania, Azerbaijan’s Zakir Hasanov and Turkey’s İsmet Yılmaz. (Photo by Georgia’s Defense Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The defense ministers of Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan met Tuesday in the Azerbaijani enclave Nakhchivan, a landlocked region on the border between Armenia and Iran. This is the first time defense ministers from the three countries hold a trilateral […]
Mosque issue in Batumi remains unresolved
Tariel Nakaidze, one of the founders of the Union of Georgian Muslims. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Years have passed without a solution to the need for a new mosque in Batumi. The governments keep promising Muslims that they will make a decision, but according to Muslims, both the central and the local government are attempting to delay […]
Government wants to reduce president’s power as commander in chief
President Giorgi Margvelashvili with Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan in March, 2014. (Photo by Defense Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia wants to limit the power of the president as commander in chief. The draft bill will take away the president’s power to approve the regulation of the Joint Staff, and the head of the Joint Staff will become subordinate […]
Georgian president rejects ex-interior minister’s citizenship application
Kakha Targamadze was Georgian interior minister in the late 1990s. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Giorgi Margvelashvili has rejected former Interior Minister Kakha Targamadze’s application for Georgian citizenship. The decision follows a call by the National Movement to not approve the application by the controversial […]
Georgia’s foreign trade turnover Jan-Jul ’14 up 14 %
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in January-July 2014 was USD 6,480 million. This is 14 percent more than in same period last year. Preliminary data published by the Statistics Department on Monday show that import in the first seven months […]
Georgia’s Orthodox Church signs agreement with Defense Ministry
Defense Minister Irakli Alasania (left) and Patriarch Ilia II (center), signing the memorandum. (Photo by the Defense Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Ministry of Defense on Sunday signed a memorandum with the country’s Orthodox Church. The agreement was signed at Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral by Defense Minister Irakli Alasania and Patriarch Ilia II and is about ‘spiritual, […]
Health minister warns about heat wave in Georgia
Georgian Health Minister Davit Sergeenko. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian health minister warns people against staying too long out in the sun as temperatures many places in Georgia will surpass 40 degrees Celsius (104 F), according to the national environmental agency. Health Minister Davit Sergeenko […]
Georgia’s basketball team won against Portugal
Georgia won 90-91 against Portugal Sunday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s national basketball team Sunday evening won against Portugal in a qualification match for FIBA EuroBasket 2015 played at Arena Dolce Vita in Ovar. Georgia won 90-91, which was quite surprising as the team was losing the game almost before the fourth […]
Defense ministers of Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan meet Monday
Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey will meet in Azerbaijan on Monday. Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania said Sunday this is the first formal meeting between the three ministers and has been planned for a long time. […]
Georgian prosecutors publish more details about Saakashvili’s spending
Mikheil Saakashvili, former Georgian president. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office on Saturday published more details about what ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili spent money for that was meant to be used for the security force SSPS. Saakashvili is charged with embezzlement of more than eight […]
Ambulances in Georgia need frequent repair, causing late response
The ambulance at the hospital in Kharagauli. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ambulances in Georgia will begin responding to calls from patients according to the severity of their cases instead of who called first, according to the Health Ministry. In many cases, especially in villages and regions outside of population centers, […]
Saakashvili says spending was necessary
Mikheil Saakashvili, former Georgian president. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili again denies the new corruption charge about embezzling eight million lari from the security force SSPS. Prosecutors say instead of using the money on the SSPS, Saakashvili spent it on vacations, presents, […]
KaZantip organizer to priests: ‘We have a no drugs policy’
KaZantip is planned held in Anaklia, a beach resort in Georgia near the border with Abkhazia. (Palitra.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The manager of KaZantip has offered to meet priests and conservative activists to discuss the music festival, claiming that they are misinformed. Orthodox activists demonstrated near the festival site Thursday using biblical slogans warning […]
Search order issued for ex-President Saakashvili
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has issued a domestic search order for ex-President Mikheil Saakahsvili. Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office prepared the order and has forwarded it to the Interior Ministry. This means that if Saakashvili enters the country, […]
Georgian conservatives demonstrate against KaZantip
Orthodox activists are against the music festival KaZantip. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian conservatives continue trying to stop the music festival KaZantip from going ahead in Georgia and Thursday organized another rally, this time attempting to enter the festival compound. Orthodox clerics and followers a few days ago […]
38 died in fires in Georgia Jan-Jun ’14
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There were 1,703 fires in Georgia in the first half of 2014. 38 people died and 61 were injured, according to the Interior Ministry. In 1,005 of the cases, the reason for the fire could not be determined. In 333 cases, the cause was negligence, […]
Georgia tightens regulation of prescription drugs
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In an extremely controversial move, Georgia’s Ministry of Health is tightening the regulation of prescription drugs. Seen as a step away of the former government’s deregulation stance, the initiative by the Ministry of Labor, Health […]
Saakashvili denies embezzlement charge in Facebook post
Ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili denies new charges that he spent money meant for the special protection service on his own lavish life style. Prosecutors in Georgia charged him Wednesday with having spent 8.8 million lari (USD […]
Yazidis in Tbilisi call on the world to stop ISIS
Yazidis in Tbilisi demonstrated against the brutal attacks on their people by ISIS in Iraq. (Photo: Georgian Union of Kurdish Youth.) TBILISI, DFWatch–‘Stop ISIS’ was the slogan of a rally organized by the Yazidi community in Tbilisi as a show of solidarity with their besieged countrymen in Iraq, who suffer from ruthless savagery by the terrorists from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). […]
Saakashvili charged with embezzlement of security force money
USD 4,600 spent on two tailor made suits is one of the expenses former President Saakashvili must answer for. (Photo published by the president.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prosecutors in Georgia have brought further charges against former President Mikheil Saakashvili about embezzlement of public money. The case describes embezzlement of about 8.8 million lari (USD 5.2 million) meant to be used for the protection […]
180 died in traffic in Georgia Jan-Jun ’14
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–180 people died in traffic accidents in Georgia in the first half of 2014, according to new figures from the Interior Ministry. The figures published Tuesday show that an upward turn in road accidents has stopped, but numbers remain high compared […]
A hundred houses flooded in Georgian village Kvishkheti
Mudwater soiled a hundred houses in Kvishkheti, near Khashuri. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A hundred houses were flooded in a small Georgian village Tuesday night. Due to heavy and long rain, villages were flooded in an area near Khashuri in the central parts of Georgia. The flood hit hardest in Kvishkheti, which […]
Stalin bust in Akura, Georgia, taken down
The restored bust of Stalin before it was taken down. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A bust of Stalin was Tuesday dismantled in a small village in Georgia, less than a day after it was put up. It is still unknown who placed the monument in Akura, in the eastern part of the country, but the same bust has been erected several times in two […]
Georgia to take part in humanitarian effort in Ukraine
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is to join an international humanitarian effort in Luhansk, Ukraine. This became known on Tuesday. Last week, Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said Georgia is not planning to join the international sanctions EU and the United […]
Disputed Stalin bust goes up again in Georgian village
The Stalin bust in Akura, Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A bust of Joseph Stalin was re-erected in a Georgian village Monday night. It is unknown who put it there. The reemerged bust is located in Akura, a village in Eastern Georgia. After the change of government in Georgia in late 2012, busts and […]
Scuffle outside Tbilisi City Hall as people queue to meet mayor
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There was a quarrel outside Tbilisi City Hall on Monday between people who wanted to meet the mayor and tell him about their problems. Newly elected Mayor Davit Narmania decided to set aside one day to meet with citizens. Hundreds of people turned […]
Merabishvili loses appeal in May 26 case
Former Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Appeals Court in Georgia upheld the City Court’s guilty verdict against former Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili for the May 26, 2011, violent dispersal of anti-government protesters. Tbilisi City Court in February sentenced Merabishvili […]
Suspect in Girgvliani case pleads guilty
Oleg Melnikov said Saakashvili and higher officials decided to cover up the murder. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former government official in Georgia has pleaded guilty in the murder of bank employee Sandro Girgvliani in 2006. The 28-year old Girgvliani was brutally murdered after a scuffle at a cafe in Tbilisi, during a birthday party for an Interior Ministry […]
Georgian president accuses prosecutors of releasing classified document
Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili accuses the Prosecutor’s Office of publishing a document which was classified as top secret, but the office denied this. August 8, Margvelashvili expressed concern about the publishing of […]
Georgian village hasn’t had running water for two decades
Residents of Ninigori demand running water. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Locals demonstrated in an eastern Georgian village on Monday, demanding to get running water installed. People living in the village Ninigori in the Lagodekhi region claim they have been without running water for more than 20 years. During all this time, […]
Police officer detained in Georgia for receiving bribe
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A police employee was Sunday detained in Batumi, a city on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, accused of receiving a bribe two days prior. According to the Interior Ministry’s press department, the general inspection detained an employee of the patrol […]
Georgia beats Czech Republic 73-62 in EuroBasket qualifier
Georgia won 73-62 against Czech Republic in Tbilisi on Sunday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s basketball team won 73-62 against the Czech Republic on Sunday in a qualification match for FIBA EuroBasket 2015. There was a scuffle during the match. On one of the tribunes, Georgian fans started a quarrel. It didn’t last long, […]
Georgian FM criticized for not clearly supporting Russia sanctions
Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign minister is criticized by opponents for saying that the economic sanctions against Russia will not solve the Ukraine crisis. The minister says she was misinterpreted. Maia Panjikidze on Thursday said that sanctions against Russia […]
Georgian president defends decision to use lavish palace
The presidential palace lies on a hill overlooking Tbilisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili last year thought the presidential palace was too luxurious for him to use, but now he defends his decision to make it his place of work. In the presidential election campaign in October, 2013, Margvelashvili […]
Georgian leader attacks Swedish foreign minister
Georgian PM Gharibashvili called Sweden’s foreign minister a part of Saakashvili’s friends club. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A war of words developed between Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and Georgian PM Irakli Gharibashvili on Friday as the two spoke on the phone. In the conversation, Gharibashvili called Bildt, as well as Lithuanian FM Linas Linkevicius, members […]
Georgian president rebuffs MP for criticizing Bildt
Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia President Giorgi Margvelashvili has rebuffed a parliamentarian in his own coalition for criticizing a tweet by Sweden’s Foreign Minister Carl Bildt. The controversy started when Bildt criticized the criminal charges against former President Mikheil […]
Georgia’s Patriarch Ilia II gives white horse to PM
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili was given a horse by Patriarch Ilia II. (Photo published on the PM’s Facebook page.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Patriarch Ilia II on Tuesday gave Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili a white horse. The event took place at the end of a visit by the PM to the Patriarch’s hometown Sno in Kazbegi, northern Georgia. The two visited Larsi checkpoint, […]
Georgian minister: sanctions not proper way out of Ukraine crisis
Photo: Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze (left) and Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili during an ambassadorial in Tbilisi on August 6 (PM’s Press Office). Tbilisi, DFWatch – Georgia’s Foreign Minister says that western sanctions against Russia and reciprocal moves by the Kremlin are not proper way out of the Ukrainian crisis and that conflict should be solved rather by the negotiations. Maia Panjikidze, […]
Georgian foreign minister criticizes Carl Bildt’s tweet
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt. TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign minister says Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt is putting to perssure on the courts in Georgia by a statement criticizing the investigation of former officials. Foreign Minsiter Maia Panjikidze said this on Wednesday […]
Georgians injured in bus accident in Turkey
TBILISI, DFWatch–There was an accident on Wednesday in Rize, Turkey, which left ten passengers injured, including citizens of Georgia. Representatives of the Health Ministry of Adjara left for Turkey to see citizens of Georgia. According to Deputy Health […]
Discussion: Georgian youth and higher education
Tako Kakabadze (left) and Temo Kakhidze. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–DF Watch last week organized a discussion about education and the problem of self-realization among youth. The discussion included representatives of the youth wings of political parties. Tako Kakabadze, chair of the youth wing […]
Outgoing NATO chief writes critical send-off to partner Russia
Outgoing NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen writes that Russia has stirred up conflicts in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia. In an opinion piece published in Financial Times, Rasmussen writes that after the collapse of communism, NATO has made […]
Mine worker dies of electrical shock in Chiatura, Georgia
The accident happened when a worker’s shoulder touched an uninsulated cable. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A mine worker died from electrical shock Tuesday night in Chiatura, a manganese mining town in western Georgia. Engineer Zaliko Tkemaladze was trying to repair a damaged locomotive at night in the Shukruti mine when the accident happened. […]
Saakashvili’s appeal turned down
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Appeals Court in Georgia left in force a decision by Tbilisi City Court to place ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili and former officials in pre-trial detention in a case concerning the violent dispersal of an anti-government demonstration on November 7, 2007. […]
New charges against Saakashvili
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has brought further charges against ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili and other former officials in a case concerning an attack on a former parliamentarian. Prosecutors say Saakashvili and former Interior […]
Rights groups want tougher reaction to chauvinistic football fans
TBILISI, DFWatch–A number of human rights organizations in Georgia have united under the name ‘No to Phobia’ and want the government to show a tougher attitude to what happened during a football match between Georgian and Azerbaijani teams a few days ago. […]
New rules for visitors to Georgia from September
Tbilisi international airport. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–From September 1, Georgia introduces new rules for foreigners who wish to stay for shorter or longer periods of time. The new rules are about visa and residency permit, and about procedures for expelling illegal immigrants. The government recently […]
Georgia preparing for visit by Angela Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government has begun preparing for a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, even though the exact date of her visit is still unknown. Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze on Sunday met with the German ambassador […]
4,000 people in Georgia have had no running water for two months
Four thousand people in Velistsikhe in the eastern Kakheti region have to drive their household water from several kilometers away. TBILISI, DFWatch–People demonstrated on Sunday in a Georgian village where 4,000 people have been without running water for two months. Locals in Velistsikhe near Gurjaani claim the head of municipality Gia Gergidze is doing nothing to solve the water problem. […]
Georgian government official gives details about UN committee’s work
Surb Etchmiadzin Church in Tbilisi, where priests were attacked by a crowd last month. TBILISI, DFWatch–A government official in Georgia has provided details about the internal work of a United Nations committee tasked with overseeing the human rights situation in member countries. Levan Isakhanyan, Head of the Department of Legal Affairs, Relations […]
Georgian Church plans big demonstration against KaZantip
Archimandrite Antimoz. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Clerics in Georgia plan a big demonstration against the music festival KaZantip, and have started information work and preparing the Church and clerics. Archimandrite Antimoz on Sunday told Interpressnews that the rally is going to be peaceful […]
Azerbaijan postpones enforcement of car standards
TBILISI, DFWatch–Azerbaijan has postponed the introduction of new restrictions on cars entering from Georgia until August 16. Georgian officials say the reason is a need to inform Georgians about the new rules. Azerbaijan decided in January, 2014, […]
Saakashvili given pre-trial detention in absentia
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili speaking in Kiev in March, 2014. (Maestro.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court on Friday evening decided to issue a pre-trial detention order for ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili, although he is not in Georgia at the moment. After leaving office in November 2013, the former president has not been in Georgia. […]
Georgian and Azerbaijani football supporters clash in Baku
Chikhura supporters brought with them a map which shows Georgia with expanded territories. TBILISI, DFWatch-UEFA has issued a 15,000 euros fine to a Georgian football team after its supporters clashes with supporters of an Azerbaijanian team in Baku. The clashes took place during and after a qualification match for UEFA Europe League. After the match, another […]
Georgian and Russian diplomats talk on phone about trade
Zurab Abashidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian diplomat says the reason Russia decided to suspend its free trade agreement with Georgia is that Georgia is not member of the Russia-initiated Customs Union. Zurab Abashidze, Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Russian […]
Two Georgians detained by Russian soldiers
A sign warning about the de facto border. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers have detained two Georgian citizens outside the village Kveshi, near Gori, which borders on the South Ossetian breakaway region. According to Interpressnews, the detainees are Zakro Butkhuzi, from Kveshi, and his guest Buta […]
New bill to regulate sale of agricultural land in Georgia
Lasha Tughushi, Director of the Academy. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Liberal Academy Tbilisi foundation addresses parliament with a draft bill about Georgia regarding regulations of selling lands to the foreign citizens. The organization on Thursday held a presentation of the draft and a study conducted by the […]
Georgia downplays impact of losing free trade with Russia
Georgian PM Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Government officials in Georgia claim it will not bring serious financial harm to the country if Russia suspends its free trade agreement with Georgia. On Wednesday, the Russian Duma was reported to be preparing a draft bill about suspending […]
280 prisoners pardoned by president’s commission
Prison No 8 in Gldani, Tbilisi. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The president of Georgia on Thursday pardoned 280 prisoners. According to the new head of the president’s pardon commission Zviad Koridze, eight of those pardoned are women and 10 minors. The commission has reviewed 2,744 cases. […]
Russia to suspend free trade agreement with Georgia
Georgia’s wine export has boomed after a recent taw in relations with Russia. TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia plans to suspend its free trade agreement with Georgia. According to Ria Novosti, the Russian Duma has prepared a draft bill about suspending the free trade agreement with Georgia. The note of the draft reads that the agreement signed between […]
Waiting for new school building in Lambalo
Only the foundation of the new school has been built so far. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–For seven years, children in the small predominantly Azeri village Lambalo in Georgia have had to attend school classes in old barns. In 2006, a group of experts announced that the old school in Lambalo had been sold and it was closed. The school […]
Pro-Israel demonstration in Tbilisi
About 50 demonstrated in Tbilisi on Tuesday in support of Israel. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A group of Georgians demonstrated in front of the old parliament in Tbilisi on Tuesday in support of Israel. The rally was planned through Facebook and was joined by about 50 people. Representatives of the Jewish community in Georgia were present […]
Georgian government promises to solve Batumi mosque issue
Friday prayer at Orta Jame mosque in Batumi, Georgia. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government has promised once more to find a solution so Muslims in Batumi can have a place to pray. The only mosque in the city is too small to fit all the Muslims coming to pray. For decades, Muslims have been asking for permission […]
Saakashvili: ‘I have never committed a crime’
Former President Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Monday responded to the criminal charges brought against him by writing that he has never committed a crime. “They have never proved that I’ve been guilty in any crime as I’ve never committed one […]
UN expert panel supports Georgia’s investigations
The family of murdered ranger Davit Tsendeliani demonstrated in June, demanding justice. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The United Nations Human Rights Committee urges Georgia to continue its trials against former officials and welcomes the country’s adoption of an anti-discrimination law last May. This is some of the content of a new report drawn up by the influential […]
Three died when river flooded village in Georgia
Three lives were lost as the Vani-Sulori river swelled and flooded adjacent areas. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three people died when the town Vani in western Georgia was flooded on Sunday. Heavy rain made the river swell and swoop up several cars and carry them away. A total of five people were in the cars. Three were found Sunday night, one of whom […]
Georgia on imported electricity while power lines being repaired
Two of the transmission lines that failed are now working, but until all three are fixed, Georgia is on imported electricity. (Photo published by Georgian State Electrosystems.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is now being supplied with electricity that is imported from neighboring countries, after three high-voltage power lines failed yesterday. Director of the electricity system, Sulkhan Zumburidze, said Monday that the import from two […]
Saakashvili formally charged for 2007 crackdown
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili during an interview with a Ukrainian TV channel. (112.ua.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili was Monday criminally charged for the hardhanded crackdown on anti-government protesters and the storming of a TV station in Tbilisi on November 7, 2007. […]
Two missing after flood in Vani, Georgia
Two women are missing in Vani after a flood Sunday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two women are missing after several villages were flooded Sunday in Vani, a town in the west of Georgia, after heavy rain. Zaza Khurtsidze, head of Vani municipality, told Interpressnews that two women are missing. Three others went missing but […]
Electricity back online in Georgia after massive outage
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Trains stopped and all but one national TV station went off air in Georgia Sunday evening as much of the country was in the dark for several hours. Late in the night, power was restored in Tbilisi and all other regions, according to the Energy […]
Traditionalists are against holding music festival KaZantip in Georgia
National Front and People’s Assembly are against holding a festival like KaZantip in a country with ancient traditions. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A group of religious radicals protested in Tbilisi on Saturday against the music festival KaZantip, which is planned in the end of August in Anaklia, a sea resort in western Georgia. The same day, locals in Anaklia demonstrated in support of the […]
Massive power outage in Georgia
The massive power outage is caused by a failure in a high voltage power line. (Pirveli.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A failure in a high-voltage power line has left large parts of Georgia without electricity Sunday evening. The capital Tbilisi is among the areas affected by the massive outage, which the Energy Ministry believes is caused by the failure of a 500 kV […]
New ministers confirmed by lighthearted Georgian parliament
Giorgi Khachidze (left) posing for a selfie with Energy Minister Kakhi Kaladze. (Photo published by Khachidze.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Though officially on summer break, the parliament in Georgia convened on Saturday to declare trust in the government after seven of the ministers were replaced. The vote ended with 89 out of 150 representatives declaring trust in the government. No-one […]
NATO to strengthen cooperation along Russia’s southwest fringes
Hugh Bayley (left), President of NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and Georgian Speaker of Parliament, Davit Usupashvili. (Photo published by the parliament press office.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The head of NATO Parliamentary Assembly says the alliance will strengthen its cooperation with countries along Russia’s southwest borders. Hugh Bayley, a member of the British parliament for the Labour party, says one of the main topics […]
Georgian Church wants music festival called off
KaZantip will be organized in Anaklia from August 20 to August 30. TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Orthodox Church is against holding the electronic music festival KaZantip in Georgia, claiming that it will ‘harm’ Georgians. The ten-day music festival used to be held in Crimea, but due to the Russian annexation it will this year be held in Anaklia, on the Black […]
Georgian lawmaker wants to ban Russian TV channels
Giorgi Baramidze, member of parliament for the National Movement. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A lawmaker from the National Movement wants to ban Russian news channels in Georgia. Giorgi Baramidze floated the idea in a Facebook post last Saturday, but has not yet decided whether to make a formal proposal. Baramidze later explained […]
90% of cars in Georgia are more than 10 years old
The used car market in Rustavi near Tbilisi. (Rustavi.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–More than 90 percent of the cars people drive in Georgia are from before 2004, according to a new report by the Interior Ministry. The report, which was published on Friday, deals with cars registered in Georgia, but also imported and re-exported […]
Georgian and Turkish football players clash in Tbilisi
The fight broke out during a match between Georgia’s Chikhura played and Turkey’s Bursa. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian and Turkish soccer players clashed in Tbilisi on Thursday, during a qualification match for UEFA Europe League. Georgia’s Chikhura defeated Turkey’s Bursa with a score 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out. The scuffle started when a Georgian […]
Rustavi 2 head acquitted in appeals court
Nika Gvaramia, head of Rustavi 2 TV. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Appeals Court in Georgia on Thursday acquitted the head of Rustavi 2 TV in a corruption case. Rustavi 2 boss Nika Gvaramia was charged with accepting a bribe, money laundering, preparing fake financial documents, using them and helping in false […]
NATO politicians on visit to Georgia
Hugh Bayley (left) shaking hands with then Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili during a visit by NATO Parliamentary Assembly in May 2013. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A group of NATO politicians are arriving in Georgia on Thursday, to meet Georgian politicians and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The delegation is headed by the president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, British Labour […]
Insults exchanged in parliament’s human rights committee
Committee head Eka Beselia. (Pirveli.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two members of the Georgian parliament insulted each other on Thursday during a meeting of the human rights committee. The committee was discussing the Public Defender’s annual report for 2013 when Chiora Taktakishvili from the National Movement […]
Three detained in Georgia for tax fraud with Iranian tar sand
The investigative service is a body under the Finance Ministry tasked with exposing financial crimes. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Finance Ministry’s investigative service on Thursday detained three persons for organized financial crime that caused the state a loss of 345,774 lari (USD 197,551). In a statement, the investigative service says the three aimed at not paying […]
New Georgian government to be confirmed by parliament on Saturday
Vice Speaker of Parliament, Manana Kobakhidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The new Georgian government will be put to parliament for a vote of confidence on Saturday. Vice Speaker of Parliament Manana Kobakhidze told journalists on Wednesday that parliament now waits for the president to present the new government, and then […]
New Georgian culture minister a government insider
New Culture Minister Mikheil Giorgadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Wednesday presented economist Mikheil Giorgadze, a government insider, as new culture minister. The PM on Monday dismissed seven ministers, but immediately reappointed two of them in new ministerial positions. […]
Foreign prosecutors to help Georgia investigate former officials
(Photo by the Prosecutor’s Office.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three law experts are coming to Georgia to assist with the prosecution of former officials. Many former government officials have been put on trial since the change of government in 2012. Western leaders have expressed concern that the cases […]
Georgian team won medals at young scientist competition
The Georgian team won one gold and two bronze medals. (Photo published by the Education Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A team of Georgian school pupils won one gold and two bronze medals at the 26th International Olympiad in Informatics, which was held in Taiwan July 13-20. The Georgian team consisted of four pupils and two of their leaders. This year, more than 80 […]
Georgian PM names all but one of new ministers
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili (center) presented almost all the new ministers on Tuesday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Tuesday named another four out of seven candidates to fill the empty ministers seats left in a major government reshuffle. The first two replacements – for refugee minister and environment minister […]
Georgian parliament speaker visiting Israel
Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian speaker of parliament is Tuesday visiting Israel. Davit Usupashvili will meet with Yuli-Yoel Edelstein, Speaker of the Knesset, as well as with the head of the Israel-Georgia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Avraham Michaeli. Usupashvili […]
Ombudsman asks for effective investigation of Armenian church attack
Ombudsman Ucha Nanuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian ombudsman addresses law enforcement bodies to properly and effectively investigate the attack on priests at an Armenian church on July 19. On Saturday, about 50 people attacked Surb Etchmiadzin Church in Tbilisi. The Armenian Diocese […]
Cramped student houses in Tbilisi
In one of the student houses on Kekelidze Street in Tbilisi, thirty students are sharing one bathroom. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–At the end of Kekelidze Street, in Vake, one of Tbilisi’s most prestigious districts, there is a lane with small houses with tiny rooms. Mostly students are living here, usually those who were born outside the capital. They had to come here […]
Georgian students: the generation of ‘three nos’
Beka Dadeshkeliani (left), head of the student union for social and political studies, and Beka Bekauri, head of the natural sciences students union. (Click to watch video.) (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–DF Watch on July 18 organized a discussion about the situation of students today. What problems are students facing? How can they be let to realize their skills and knowledge? In what way can the government or educational institutions help them, […]
Seven ministers replaced in Georgian government reshuffle
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Monday fired seven ministers: the ministers for agriculture, prisons, refugees, environment, infrastructure, culture and diaspora. Explaining his decision at a morning briefing, he said that for the last two […]
Green concert against maximum resource extraction
The concert was held at Mziuri Park. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–What connects the Khudoni hydro power project, a prehistoric gold mine, shrinking green areas in Tbilisi and human rights abuses in the mining industry? They are all problems caused by the government’s economic policy, according to the youth group […]
Priests attacked at Armenian church in Tbilisi
The incident took place inside the Surb Etchmiadzin Church in Tbilisi. (Photo published by the Armenian Diocese.) TBILISI, DFWatch–About 50 people physically attacked priests at an Armenian Church in Tbilisi on Saturday. The Armenian Orthodox Church says the attack was motivated by religious and ethnic prejudice, but Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs […]
Indian medical students in Tbilisi
Medical students Nirmal and Aravinoha Samy. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Hundreds of Indians come to Georgia every year to study medicine at Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU). The two Indian friends Nirmal and Samy have been studying at the university for three years and are quite happy about their choice. […]
Georgia ratifies association agreement with the EU
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian parliament on Friday ratified a new agreement with the European Union which was signed three weeks ago. The vote took place at a special session with 123 out of 150 MPs voting for and none against.27 MPs didn’t attend the session. […]
16 year old boy dies in rockslide in Borjomi, Georgia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A 16-year-old boy died on late Thursday as a result of a rockslide in Borjomi, a tourist resort in the south of Georgia. Nika Korghanashvili, who was spending his holiday in Borjomi with some friends, was walking home from the sulphur baths […]
Georgian parliament expected to ratify EU treaty Friday
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian parliament will vote on whether to ratify the Association Agreement with the European Union on Friday. Several prominent European politicians are expected to attend the vote, including Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin, Latvian […]
Tbilisi bus drivers on strike following death of colleague
Drivers of line 19 are protesting after one of them died following an argument with a passenger. (Photo published by Tbilisi Transport Company.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Drivers of bus line number 19 in Tbilisi on Thursday laid down work as a sign of protest, after one of their colleagues died on the job. A passenger got into a physical scuffle with a bus driver at noon on the number 19 line in the suburb Ponichala, […]
Georgia signs agreement with Orthodox Church about cultural heritage
David Gareja monastery complex. (Photo: Paata Vardanashvili.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Culture Ministry and Georgian Church will Thursday sign a memorandum about protection of cultural heritage. The memorandum is about taking care of cultural heritage that is in the ownership of the Georgian Church. According to the […]
Georgian soldiers leaving base in Helmand
Georgian ISAF soldiers Afghanistan. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian soldiers are leaving the U.S. military base Leatherneck in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as it is being closed down. According to the Ministry of Defense, the closure of the base is related to the transfer of security responsibility […]
GeoStat publishes foreign trade data for Jan-Jun ’14
Foreign trade turnover in the first half of 2014 was up 16% compared to last year. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in the first half of 2014 was 16 percent more than last year, according to preliminary data from the National Statistics Department, GeoStat. According to the new report published on Wednesday, the amount of foreign […]
Court adds to Bacho Akhalaia’s pre-trial detention
Bacho Akhalaia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court on Saturday added further pretrial detention for former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia for the murder of Sergo Tetradze. Akhalaia’s defense lawyers wanted the court to set a 30,000 lari bail, but the court decided on two months […]
Georgia considers reopening Ergneti market
Ergneti checkpoint. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government plans to reopen the Ergneti market on the border with South Ossetia. In recent days, it has said reopening the market would not contradict a free trade agreement Georgia recently signed with the EU. Ergneti market was […]
14 year old girl dead in traffic accident in Rikoti
The accident happened when a minibus struck a truck in Rikoti pass. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A minibus crushed into a truck on Tuesday, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old girl and ten others being injured. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the accident happened at Rikoti Pass, which connects western and eastern Georgia. […]
Georgian president calls ex-ambassador’s death a murder
Erosi Kitsmarishvili was found dead in his car Tuesday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former candidate for Rustavi mayor Erosi Kitsmarishvili was found dead in his car on Kipshidze Street in a prestigious district of Tbilisi. The car was at an underground parking in the building where he was residing. According to the Interior […]
Former ambassador found dead in Tbilisi
Erosi Kitsmarishvili was found in his car with a wound to his head. TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian politician and media investor Erosi Kitsmarishvili was found dead in Tbilisi Tuesday afternoon. The Ministry of Internal Affairs immediately launched an investigation into what appears to have been a suicide, and later the Prosecutor’s […]
Naturalized Chechen still being denied to leave Georgia
Saikhan Muzayev. (Imedi.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Chechen refugee continues to claim that he is being harassed by government bodies and that he is not allowed to cross the Georgian border. Non-governmental organizations and the Ombudsman appeal to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to stop violating his […]
Former presidential security staff questioned in ‘top secret’ case
Temur Janashia, former head of the president’s protection service. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has questioned three of former President Mikheil Saakashvili’s security personnel as well as a former maid about a ‘top secret’ matter, refusing to give any details. Former protection service employees […]
Court rejects prosecutor’s motion in case of suspended mayor
Tbilisi City Court. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court on Monday rejected a motion by the Prosecutor’s Office to change the USD 30,000 bail set for former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava into pre-trial detention. The judge said that the arguments in the motion were not strong enough […]
New Tbilisi city assembly convenes after the election
Giorgi Alibegashvili was elected new head of Tbilisi City Council. (Pirveli.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The new Tbilisi City Council on Monday held its first session after the local election to elect a new council head. Only nine members are being carried over from the previous assembly; four from the Georgian Dream coalition and five from […]
Flight route to connect Mestia with Tbilisi by air
King Tamar Airport in Mestia. (Photo published by United Airports of Georgia.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There will be regular flights between Mestia, in the northwest of Georgia, with Mtskheta, just north of Tbilisi. The route, which opens on July 18, will cut travel time to the tourist resort from seven hours by land to 45 minutes. Flights will depart from the airport […]
Georgian film wins prize at Karlovy Vary film festival
Georgian film director George Ovashvili. (Photo posted on Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian film Corn Island won the top prize at the 49th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic on Saturday. According to Agence France Press, the film won among eleven other films. Georgian director George Ovashvili […]
Tbilisi beer festival held at Roses Square
Beer brands on offer included Natakhtari, Kozel, Mtieli and Efes. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi beer festival was held July 12-13 for the fifth year. It brought together thousands of people to drink beer, play games, listen to live performances and watch the World Cup final on a big screen. As usual, people could buy tokens as they entered […]
Clean sweep for government in Georgia’s local election
The Georgian Dream coalition won all races for mayors and heads of municipality in the second round of the local elections. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Dream coalition won the second round of the local election in every city and municipality, according to preliminary results from Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC). Davit Narmania, Georgian Dream candidate for Tbilisi mayor, […]
Eduard Shevardnadze buried in Tbilisi Sunday
Former Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze was buried in Tbilisi Sunday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Eduard Shevardnadze was buried on Sunday with military honors at his residence in Krtsanisi, Tbilisi. The former Soviet foreign minister and president of Georgia was honored by the speakers of parliament of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Austrian […]
Bicycle marathon in Tbilisi to promote a healthy lifestyle
Lika Baghashvili, 24, supports the goal of the marathon; to take a stand against drugs and promote a healthy lifestyle. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A bicycle marathon Sunday brought together youth from many countries in Tbilisi. “Live with sport” was the slogan of the marathon, which started from the Sports Ministry at 11:00 in the morning and ended at Freedom Square in downtown Tbilisi. […]
Landslide victory for the government coalition in Tbilisi local election
Tamar Zhvania, head of Georgia’s election commission, announced the preliminary results Saturday night. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government coalition’s candidate for Tbilisi mayor will get 72.7 percent of votes, according to preliminary results from the Central Election Commission (CEC) in Georgia. Presenting the results Sunday night, CEC head Tamar Zhvania […]
Lower voter turnout in Georgia run-off elections
Voter turnout at 17:00 was 28%, compared to 35% on June 15. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The second round of Georgia’s local elections are proceeding without any major violations. Voter turnout at 17:00 was 28% – significantly less than in the first round, when the turnout was 35% at 17:00, according to the Central Election Commission […]
Georgia seizes record 2.8 tons of heroin hidden in trailer
The heroin was found in a trailer truck, hidden inside 93 barrels, each containing 30 kg of liquid heroin. (The trailer in this photo is unrelated to the case.) (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia Friday seized 2.8 tons of liquid heroin hidden in a trailer truck destined for Turkey, in a joint operation between the Interior Ministry and Finance Ministry. The amount of the seized heroin is unprecedented and surpasses a 2.1 ton find last […]
Georgia holds second round of local elections
Georgians go to the polls for run-off elections in eight cities and 13 municipalities today. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Today, Georgia holds the second round of the local election in eight cities and 13 municipalities. According to the Central Election Commission (CEC), there are 1,715,514 voters for the second round, who will vote in 28 electoral districts comprising […]
Shevardnadze’s body moved to Sameba Cathedral
The body of former President Eduard Shevardnadze was placed in Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi on Friday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The body of former Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze was moved to Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi on Friday. A prayer was conducted at 13:00. The public funeral will be on Friday and Saturday at Sameba. Sunday, July 13, there will be a funeral […]
EU ambassador: Georgian business will not be served breakfast in bed
EU Ambassador to Georgia Philip Dimitrov. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–EU Ambassador to Georgia Philip Dimitrov says business in Georgia will have to do a lot and is not going to be served breakfast in bed after the signing of the association agreement. Speaking at a conference in Batumi, Dimitrov told […]
Women used as percussion instruments on TV show
The TV show Bina 18 had a musical performance involving two women’s bottoms. TBILISI, DFWatch–A TV show on Thursday has stirred controversy for showing a man performing music by slapping his hands on the bottoms of two women. Human rights activists as well as the ombudsman say […]
Prosecutor says suspended mayor broke bail conditions
Suspended Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has asked a court to further toughen the pre-trial conditions of former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava. Ugulava is already in detention for one charge, but in another case he was given 50,000 lari (USD 30,000) bail. […]
Russia allows Georgian export of new products
(Photo by the Ministry of Agriculture.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia will begin exporting melons and watermelons and some other products to Russia. The agricultural products will add to goods like alcohol, mineral water and other products, which are already being exported to Russia. The Agriculture […]
British citizen tells of racial discrimination in Tbilisi
British dancer Aaron Shikamaru Charles says he is being repeatedly harassed because of the color of his skin in Tbilisi. TBILISI, DFWatch–A British citizen says he has been subjected to racial discrimination in Tbilisi. Dancer Aaron Shikamaru Charles has lived in Georgia for two years. His wife, Nutsa Eristavi, is Georgian and the artist couple carry out joint projects here. Aaron says […]
NATO envoy to Georgia: Courts must act independently
NATO envoy James Appathurai (left) and Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Photo published by the Defense Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO envoy James Appathurai says the justice system shouldn’t be politically motivated and trials must be conducted independently, without political interference. Appathurai, who is on a visit to Georgia, on Wednesday met with Defense […]
Businesses offer discount for Georgians who vote
Gas station companies are among the backers of a new TV ad offering discount for people who vote. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Several large companies in Georgia are offering discounts for customers who go and vote in the second round of local elections on Saturday. A commercial appeared on television Thursday, placed by ‘businesses united for a common goal’. It calls […]
No significant changes expected in Russia-Georgia trade relations
The Georgian government’s Russia person, Zurab Abashidze, says no ‘dramatic or significant’ changes are expected in trade and economic relations. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gregory Karasin says it is not necessary to begin threatening sanctions yet, but that Georgia and Russia should sit down and carefully calculate what changes Georgia’s new free trade treaty with the EU might lead to in trade relations between Russia and Georgia. […]
Bishop’s warning against Saakashvili’s party causes controversy
Bishop Iakob. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Is the National Movement a legitimate political party or an antidemocratic movement which leading figures in society have a duty to stand up against? That is the essence of a controversy sparked by a bishop in the Georgian Orthodox Church. […]
Candidates for Tbilisi mayor face off in TV debate
Davit Narmania, Georgian Dream candidate for Tbilisi mayor. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The candidates for Tbilisi mayor are facing off in a televised debate now at 8 PM local time. Davit Narmania from the government coalition has as his main election promise to build a youth center in Tbilisi, while his competitor Nikanor Melia […]
Georgia unveils new symbol for its currency, the lari
The new lari sign as it may look in handwriting. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s National Bank has unveiled a new symbol for its currency, the lari. The sign is a modified old Georgian letter ‘L’ with two bars, slightly resembling the euro sign. The winner of the National Bank’s competition is a cross between the Georgian letter […]
Lithuania ratifies Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova agreements with EU
The Lithuanian parliament, Seimas. (Photo: Marcin Białek.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday ratified the association agreements between Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova with the EU. The vote was almost unanimous, according to the webpage of the national assembly, called Seimas. Lithuania is often […]
Court rejects appeal from ex-mayor
Suspended Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava lost his appeal and must remain in detention. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Appeal’s Court in Georgia rejected an appeal from former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava and he must therefore remain in detention. Ugulava is charged with embezzlement of more than one million lari from parking fees. His lawyers say they […]
Georgia appoints new ambassador to the UK
Revaz Gachechiladze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian president Giorgi Margvelashvili on Monday appointed professor Revaz Gachechiladze as new ambassador to the UK, Northern Ireland and the International Maritime Organization. The appointment marks the end of more than a year without a UK ambassador. […]
Many reactions to Shevardnadze’s passing away
Supporters of Gamsakhurdia protested outside Shevardnadze’s residence. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–As former Georgian president Eduard Shevardnadze died on Monday, aged 86, the same day several people organized a demonstration outside his residence in Krtsanisi, Tbilisi, where he lived in his final years. A group of several people […]
Drop in summer visitors to Georgia
Until now, more people have come to Georgia every summer since the war in 2008. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The number of visitors to Georgia in June dropped eight percent compared to the same period last year, according to new figures published on Monday by the Interior Ministry. Around 450,000 people visited Georgia in June. The summer drop breaks […]
NATO envoy to Tbilisi to discuss ‘substantive package’
James Appathurai. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO envoy James Appathurai will visit Georgia on Wednesday to discuss the ‘substantive package’ which the alliance is to offer the former Soviet state at the upcoming summit in Wales in September, the minister in charge of European integration said Monday. […]
Eduard Shevardnadze dies at age 86
Former President Eduard Shevardnadze has died at age 86. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze died on Monday at about 12:00 PM, at age 86. Shevardnadze was minister of internal affairs of the Georgian Socialist Soviet Republic from 1967, making his mark fighting corruption, and in 1972 […]
Georgia hopes to keep its free trade with Russia
“We will do our best to continue free trade with Russia,” says Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Georgia’s Economy Minister. TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Economy Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said Sunday that his country will try to have free trade with both Russia and the European Union. An expert meeting between Georgian and Russian bureaucrats is planned for Monday in Prague […]
Former mayor moved to Matrosov Prison
Matrosov Prison lies in the southern Ortachala district of Tbilisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava was Sunday moved to the so-called Matrosov Prison, where former government officials are usually held. Gigi Ugulava was first brought to the scandalous prison number eight in Gldani, Tbilisi. This is where most […]
Seven fined after Friday’s scuffle about ex-mayor’s detention
The court building in Tbilisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Seven people were Saturday fined 100 lari (USD 60) each for hooliganism after being detained the day before in a violent disturbance outside Tbilisi City Court. The violence happened after the court had decided to place former Mayor […]
Former defense minister must remain in detention, court rules
Bacho Akhalaia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court Saturday placed former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia in pretrial detention on new charges concerning the murder of Sergo Tetradze. Akhalaia’s lawyers wanted the court to set 30,000 lari bail, but the court decided to place […]
Four detained in outburst of violence outside Tbilisi court
Former Member of Parliament Kote Gabashvili was one of the detained National Movement supporters. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Supporters of the National Movement were Friday night involved in a violent disturbance outside Tbilisi City Court, after it decided to place former Mayor Gigi Ugulava in pre-trial detention. Several of its representatives were detained by police […]
Former mayor placed in pre-trial detention
Former Mayor of Tbilisi, Gigi Ugulava. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court Friday night placed former mayor Gigi Ugulava in pretrial detention. He faces charges of money laundering and election fraud. Ugulava was detained at Tbilisi airport Thursday morning as he was about to take a plane to Ukraine. […]
Romania ratified EU agreements with Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
The Moldovan parliament. TBILISI, DFWatch–As the first EU member state, Romania on Thursday ratified Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova’s association agreements with the Union. Leaders of the three countries in Europe’s southeast signed the agreements at a ceremony in Brussels on June […]
Mayor candidates promising Tbilisians better times
Georgian Dream candidate for Tbilisi mayor, Davit Narmania. (Photo published by Georgian Dream.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One week before the run-off election for Tbilisi mayor, candidates are showering the electorate with promises, though the major issue in the campaign, whether to have direct debates between candidates, is still undecided. The government […]
President’s pardon commission gets new head
President Giorgi Margvelashvili (left) and new head of the pardon commission Zviad Koridze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Giorgi Margvelashvili on Friday appointed a journalist to take over as head of the pardon commission under his purview. The journalist Zviad Koridze will become new head of the commission, filling the empty seat left by Alexandre […]
Second round of Georgia’s local election slated for July 12
The second round of local elections will be held on July 12. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The second round of Georgia’s local election will be held on next Saturday, July 12, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC). CEC made its decision after a session which ended late Thursday night. The first round of the local […]
Russia violated human rights when expelling Georgians, court rules
The Strasbourg court faulted Russia for expelling Georgians in 2006. TBILISI, DFWatch–The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Russia violated the European human rights convention when it expelled thousands of Georgians following a spy row in 2006. The ruling will be seen as a moral victory for Georgia, which sued Russia […]
Former mayor detained at Tbilisi airport
Former Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava was detained at the city’s airport. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Mayor Gigi Ugulava was detained Thursday morning at Tbilisi airport as he was about to leave for Ukraine. He is accused of money laundering. The Finance Ministry’s investigation service on Monday brought new charges against […]
Two thirds of Georgia’s growing wine export goes to Russia
From a wine festival in Sighnaghi in 2013. (Click on image to read about the festival.) (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia exported 26,872,145 bottles of wine in the first half of 2014. Out of the 34 different countries receiving the wine, two thirds of it went to Russia. In sheer volume, the almost 27 million bottles, each 0.75 liters, if put together […]
South Ossetia accuses EU observers of bias
The EU-hosted field meetings take place in a tent on the de facto border. (From a video published by Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A spokesman for the Georgian breakaway region South Ossetia has accused the European Union’s observers of being biased following a field meeting Tuesday. As usual, the Incident Response and Prevention Mechanism (IRPM) meeting took place […]
New torture charge against Bacho Akhalaia
Bacho Akhalaia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia on Wednesday brought further charges against former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia, for abuse of power and organizing torture and sexual abuse. Akhalaia called the accusations a lie. The incident took […]
Court did not set bail for former Tbilisi mayor
Gigi Ugulava. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court on Wednesday decided not to set bail conditions for former Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava, who is charged with embezzlement of more than one million lari from parking fees. The court did not agree with a request […]
Court to decide bail conditions for former Tbilisi mayor
Former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava is charged with embezzlement of money from parking fees. He vigorously denies the charges. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has asked the court to set a 50,000 lari (USD 30,000) bail for former Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava in a case involving embezzlement of money from parking fees. The office on Tuesday also asked Tbilisi City […]
The grave of painter Pirosmani allegedly found in Tbilisi
The grave bears the inscription ‘Forgive, God, Nikala’ and is located at Kukia cemetery in Tbilisi. (Photo published by the Culture Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The tomb of the Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani has allegedly been discovered in Tbilisi. Pirosmani was self-taught and his paintings are easily recognized for their simple style and depictions of country life, often of merchants, […]
New report details obstacles for minorities in Georgia
Exams in Marneuli, a predominantly ethnic Azeri town south of Tbilisi. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There are many obstacles to integrating minorities in Georgia, according to a new report published on Thursday by the Ministry of Reconciliation and Civil Equality. Problems include access to information and education, not knowing the […]
Art students in Tbilisi protest ‘Russian, socialist’ teaching methods
Art students say the academy is still teaching by ‘Russian, socialist’ methodology. (1tv.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Art students in Tbilisi protested Monday against what they see as a backward teaching style and an outdated understanding of art. Students at the Academy of Arts demand transparency and changes in the procedure for electing a rector. […]
Georgia and Russia meet to sort out EU vs CIS free trade
Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian and Russian trade experts will meet in Prague on July 7 to find out how compatible Georgia’s new free trade with the European Union is with its already existing free trade framework with countries of the former Soviet Union. The […]
How well did Georgia’s local election include minorities?
From left to right: Zurab Jibghashvili, constitutional expert, Zaur Khalilov, Executive Director of Civic Integration Foundation, and Agit Mirzoyev, Director of the Analytical Center for Cooperation and Consultations Between Ethnicities. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–On June 23, DF Watch invited members of three non-governmental organizations working with minority issues to discuss how well ethnic minorities were able to participate in the June 15 local election. Our point of departure was the fact that […]
Tbilisi’s ex-mayor accused of embezzlement involving parking fees
Gigi Ugulava called the new charges absurd. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The former mayor of Tbilisi, Gigi Ugulava, was Monday charged with embezzlement involving the city’s parking company. In a statement the Finance Ministry’s investigative service says the company CT Park Ltd, which hires parking […]
Government cuts duration of administrative detention
The government coalition wants to reduce the term of administrative detention. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government coalition in Georgia has proposed to reduce the maximum duration of administrative detention from 90 to 15 days. In 2012, it wanted to end the practice. Administrative detention is a form of harsh punishment left over from […]
Georgia improves on global retail index
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has improved its position on the Global Retail Development Index, a list of the most prospective countries for investing in retail trade. Georgia has climbed one place and is now number seven among 30 developing countries. […]
Repeat elections held in Georgia
Repeat elections were held at fourteen precincts on Sunday. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia conducted repeat elections at fourteen precincts on Sunday. The government coalition won in eight precincts, while the National Movement won at two precincts. Other parties’ candidates and independents won in the rest of the precincts. […]
Jehova’s Witnesses still under pressure in Georgia
Jehova’s Witnesses praying in Khobi, Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Jehovah’s Witnesses in Georgia continue to be under pressure as another community denies the establishment of a prayer house. This time, it is locals in Terjola, a town in Imereti, western Georgia, who refuse to allow another community […]
Georgians celebrated becoming ‘part of a big family’
Georgians celebrated the new agreement with the EU until late night Friday. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–On June 27, Georgia became part of a big family, President Margvelashvili said at a concert in Tbilisi to celebrate the event. The concert took place at Europe Square near the presidential palace and was to celebrate the signing […]
Lavrov’s threat of trade measures met with calm in Tbilisi
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that Russia might take measures against the EU’s new free trade area on its doorstep. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A threat by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that Russia may take protective measures against the EU’s new free trade area on its doorstep are not being taken seriously by an analyst DF Watch spoke to. By signing the association agreement […]
New treaty between EU and Georgia finally signed
From left to right, Petro Poroshenko (seated), Jose Manuel Barroso, Herman Van Rompuy and Irakli Gharibashvili. (Photo published by Gharinashvili.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia on Friday signed the Association Agreement with the EU in Brussels. The 1,135 page document was signed by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili, EU Council President Herman van Rompuy, EU Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso, and heads of state of all EU’s 28 members. […]
Georgian former paramilitary detained in Azerbaijan
The Prosecutor’s Office in Tbilisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former employee of the paramilitary organization Mkhedrioni who was wanted for four murders was Thursday detained in Azerbaijan, in a joint operation between Georgian and Azerbaijani prosecutors. The detained woman, […]
Georgia signs association agreement with the EU
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia today signs the association agreement with the EU at 09:00 in Brussels. Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili and the rest of the Georgian delegation arrived on Thursday. At Place du Luxembourg, Georgians have gathered together with […]
Georgia holds national exams
National exams began all over Georgia on Thursday. TBILISI, DFWatch–National exams started Thursday morning all over Georgia, on three different levels of education. About 36,000 school graduates will take exams from June 26 until July 16, while 4,500 students will try to pass an ability test which will improve […]
Workers protest bad drinking water at ferroalloy plant
Workers at the Ferro factory in Zestaponi protested against bad drinking water Wednesday. Coliform bacteria have been found in the water. (Photo published by zestaponi.com.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tens of workers at the ferro-alloy plant in Zestaponi went on strike on Wednesday to protest the quality of drinking water at the plant. As DF Watch previously reported, workers at the plant are dissatisfied with their working conditions. […]
NATO will not offer Georgia a membership plan this year
Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze (left) and NATO’s Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen meeting in Brussels on Tuesday. (Photo published by NATO.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO will not offer Georgia a Membership Action Plan (MAP) at a summit in Wales in September, the alliance’s secretary general said on Wednesday. “The Summit in Wales will not be about a Membership Action Plan; but about more support […]
Tbilisi mayor withdraws court case
Former Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Tbilisi mayor who was removed from office has called off his lawsuit to get back his job, calling the whole justice system ridiculous. Gigi Ugulava, who was elected mayor of Tbilisi in 2010, at a time when most of the international community […]
Rebellion against oil company in Georgian village
People blocked the road for employees of Canargo Georgia which is exploring for oil in Sagarejo. They don’t want to lose their water supply. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Locals have rebelled against an oil company that wants to search for oil in an eastern Georgian town. People fear that they may lose their water supply. On Wednesday, they blocked the road for employees of Canargo Georgia and didn’t let […]
Georgia ends moratorium on foreigners buying agricultural land
The moratorium on foreigners buying agricultural land in Georgia has been lifted. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Foreigners will be again able to purchase agricultural lands in Georgia unhindered. This follows from a decision by Georgia’s Constitutional Commission which means that the Constitutional Court abolishes the moratorium on foreign citizens […]
Georgia plans concert to celebrate new EU treaty
TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia plans to hold a big outdoors concert in the capital to celebrate the signing of a treaty with the European Union on June 27. Georgian singers from Europe and from Georgia will perform at the concert, which will also feature […]
Georgia and Russia to hold trade talks
Wine export is one of the trade issues between Georgia and Russia. TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia and Russia plan to hold a meeting of experts on trade and economic issues. The meeting will also deal with Georgia’s signing of a new treaty with the European Union about reforms and free trade. On the agenda is two treaties that Georgia […]
South Ossetia parliament to discuss joining Russia
Tskhinvali, the capital of the Georgian breakaway region South Ossetia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The de facto parliament in South Ossetia plans to start discussing the issue of joining Russia. It was the parliament’s speaker who said this on Monday, as quoted by Itar-Tass. “We do not renounce our slogans, there will be no two-pronged […]
Campaign finance watchdog wants to fine the government
The Audit Office. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The public watchdog overseeing the financial activity of political parties in Georgia claims that the government coalition has received an illegal donation of GEL 40,000 (USD 22,500). The Financial Monitoring Service of the Georgian […]
Russian experts in Georgia to inspect produce
Georgian agricultural products are being scrutinized by Russian phytosanitary experts. (Photo published by the Ministry of Agriculture.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A group of four experts from Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Rosselkhoznadzor, Monday arrived in Georgia to examine the quality of fruit and other products that are exported to the Russian market. The […]
Georgian president will not attend signing of EU treaty
President Giorgi Margvelashvili will not be present during the signing of a treaty between Georgia and the EU in Brussels on Friday. TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president, whose authority includes signing international treaties and who delegated the right to sign the Association Agreement with EU to the prime minister, won’t be in the Georgian delegation. Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze […]
Language exams prepare Azeri-Georgian youth for university
Youth in the predominantly ethnic Azeri town Marneuli can take a one year course in Georgian language to prepare them for university. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tural is a 19 years old high school graduate who plans to go on to university and study IT. The problem is, the teaching language at university is Georgian, which he doesn’t know well enough. Like many of his peers, Tiral chose to study […]
National Movement activist beaten in Batumi
Levan Tetemadze was taken to the hospital and treated for head injuries and broken facial bones. (Photo published on Facebook by the National Movement in Batumi.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A member of the National Movement was Saturday attacked in Batumi, a city on the Black Sea coast. Party activist Levan Tetemadze was beaten outside his house on Vazha-Pshavela street, according to Giorgi Kirtadze, head of the UNM in Adjara. […]
National Movement implicated in election fraud video
What happened at two precincts in the town Marneuli on election day has become a major criminal case. (The persons in this photo are unrelated to the case.) (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Ministry of Interior on Friday charged 13 persons with having engaged in election fraud at two precincts in the south of Georgia in the local election on June 15. The precincts lie in the town Marneuli, 30 km south of Tbilisi. The ministry […]